1. The Big Bang Theory (now a law!!)
Before we start with the geologic history of Earth, we need to know how the Earth came into existence and for that matter how did this universe come into existence. So, do a little bit of research into the 'Big Bang' theory, now a law after what Hubble Space Telescope discovered a few years back, and then describe in your own words what this Theory states and how did our solar system come into existence!
You may describe each Stage of the BBT if you wish, as that way it is quite simpler to do so.
2. Geologic timescale on earth
In the reading assignment for this week, there are a number of Eras and Epochs described and before we go into details about each one of them and find out what kind of rocks or habitat existed at that time, let's first check out the Geologic Timescale on Earth.
Describe the different time periods that are in the GT and describe each Era in a short paragraph along with details on its characteristics.
3. Describe one era of your choice!!
Which of the Eras that you described above is meaningful to you? Why? Explain, giving examples and description of the events, organisms and geology related to that Era.
4a. Visit the Virtual Caves website: http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/virtcave/. Briefly describe and provide an example of solution caves, sea caves, erosional caves, and lava tube caves.
4b. Find an online source and discuss dye tracing in relation to caves.
4c. Briefly describe the major earth science programs of the following governmental agencies:
1. USGS: www.usgs.gov
2. U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE): http://www.boemre.gov/
3.U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Coastal & Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL): http://chl.erdc.usace.army.mil/
5. Provide short definitions of the following terms:
The Carbon Cycle
Soil Horizon
Mechanical Weathering
Chemical Weathering
Spheroidal Weathering
Leaching, Creep
Landslide
Permafrost
Solifluction
Talus
The Hydrologic Cycle
Drainage Divide
Stream Piracy
Dendritic Drainage
Dissolved Load
Natural Levee
Suspended Load
Meander Cutoff
Ultimate Base Level